Valentine’s Day Powwow

The Mid-America All-Indian Center will host its 4nd annual Valentine’s Day Powwow from 1 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9 at the Indian Center, 650 N. Seneca. The event will feature dancing by American Indians as well as audience participation and couples dances for the general public. There will also be food vendors and arts and crafts vendors. Everyone is welcome to attend. Admission is free to the indoor event, but donations will be accepted to fund the 3rd Annual American Indian Festival this July at Century II.

“Powwows are American Indian celebrations of community and spirituality where traditions are handed down to younger generations. They serve as a powerful symbol of American Indian identity,” said Indian Center Director April Scott. “Powwows aren’t only for American Indians; people from all backgrounds are invited to watch, learn and interact with each other.”

Gourd dancing will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. During the dance, participants dance and shake gourds (rattles) to accompany the drum. Beginning at 6:45 p.m., a color guard will lead inter-tribal dancers – dressed in authentic powwow regalia – onto the dance floor in what is known as the “Grand Entry.” The evening’s dances will include the pageantry, singing, drumming and display of clothing commonly associate with powwows. This is also the time when the audience can get involved.

To enhance the overall experience that day, Museum admission will be reduced to $1 to give more people a chance to view exhibits and artifacts on display to gain a greater understanding of the community’s shared American Indian history. For more information, call (316) 350-3340 or go to TheIndianCenter.org and click on “powwows.”